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Thirteen Plus 

A Comedy in Three Acts 


By 

GLADYS RUTH §RIDGHAM 

Author of "Bobbie Takes a Look," "The Hurdy Gurdy Girl," 
"Step Lively," "Honeymoon Flats," "The Thirtee7ith Star," 

"Captain Cranberry, "Behind the Scenes," "Leave it to 
Polly," "At the Sign of the Shooting Star," "Hot on the 
Programme "Sally Lunn," "A Case for Sherlock 
Holmes," "Six Times Nine," "Just Plain Mary," 


NOTE 

The professional stage and moving picture rights in this play 
are strictly reserved and application for the right to produce it 
should be made to the author in care of the publishers. Ama¬ 
teurs may produce it without payment of royalty on condition 
that the name of the author appears on all programmes and ad¬ 
vertising issued in connection with such performances. 



BOSTON 

WALTER H. BAKER COMPANY 

1922 




Thirteen Plus 


CHARACTERS 


Henry Logan, a New York attorney, owner of the camf. 
Theodora Logan, his daughter. 

Eleanor, his wife. 

Judge Kelcy 
Ethel, his daughter 

Dr. Wainwright ^ 

Helen, his wife 

Arnold Jeffrey, in the employ of the government 
Philip Channing, a popular writer of fiction 
Flora, the cook. 

Meriam, the table girl, Flora's niece. 

George, a guide. 

Marie Le Bon. 


Scene.—H enry Logan’s camp on the Bocquet 


River in the Adirondacks. 


Act I.—An evening in August. 
Act II.—The next morning. 
Act III.—Two minutes later. 



Copyright, 1922, by Gladys Ruth Bridgham 
As author and proprietor 
All rights reserved 


OCT 26 ’22 

©C!,D 62594 

)u,f. 





STAGE SETTING 


The scene is the main room in the camp. A stairway 
leads from the room center back. At the foot of stairs 
a little to the right is an exit. Fireplace left. Log fire. 
Entrance to camp at left front. In space between fire¬ 
place and stairway is a window. At right a counter. 
Stool back of counter. Telephone on wall back of coun¬ 
ter. Table center of room. Chairs around table. On 
shelf under table magazines. Two packs of cards on ta¬ 
ble. A smaller game table and chairs near window. Arm¬ 
chairs in front of fireplace. Mounted heads on the wall 
over fireplace. A hanging center lamp, or reading lamp 
on center table. 


COSTUMES AND CHARACTERISTICS 

Henry Logan, fifty, although a New York attorney is 
a typical woodsman; iron-gray hair and mustache; me¬ 
dium height; well built; has the appearance of being 
strong as iron. 

Theodora, his daughter; boyish type of girl; eighteen; 
bobbed hair. 

Eleanor, his wife; forty; healthy type of woman; 
used to outdoor life. 

Judge Kelcy, sixty; tall; slight; white hair. 

Ethel, his daughter; twenty-two; type of girl drawn 
by Christy. 

Dr. Wainwright, forty; prosperous city physician. 

Helen, his wife; thirty-five; society woman; brunette. 

Philip Channing, thirty; attractive type expressing 
Americanism. 

Arnold Jeffrey, thirty-five; short, black hair; rather 
overbearing in his ways. 


3 


4 


COSTUMES AND CHARACTERISTICS 


Flora, the cook; forty-five; Irish; stout; dark com- 
plexioned. 

Meriam, her niece; eighteen; small; blonde; very 
pretty. 

George, twenty-two; tall; strong; well-built woods¬ 
man. 

Marie LeBon, French Canadian girl of twenty. 

Theodora wears a knicker suit for entire play. Helen, 
Eleanor and Ethel wear linen dresses for Act I, and 
for Acts II and III Ethel wears dark skirt and middy 
blouse, Helen a knicker suit, and Eleanor a heavy skirt 
and sweater. 

Flora wears striped percale house dress. 

Meriam, gingham for Act I, and for Acts II and III, 
plain blue dress with white apron. 

Marie wears knickers, and a coat and hat, supposed 
to belong to one of the guides. 

Men wear knicker suits all through, and George wears 
heavy corduroy suit. 


Thirteen Plus 


ACT I 

SCENE.— Evening at Henry Logan's camp. 

{At curtain Ethel Kelcy and Philip Channing 
stand by the fireplace talking together. Judge 
Kelcy sits in armchair near by zvith a newspaper, 
which he glances over as they talk. Helen, Elea¬ 
nor and Theodora sit around table , c. They have 
just finished a game of cards. Dr. Wainwright 
sits at table back playing solitaire. All look toward 
Henry Logan who stands r. c. back reciting.) 

Logan. 

“ I wind about and in and out with here a blossom sail¬ 
ing, 

And here and there a lusty trout, and here and there 
a grayling, 

And here and there a foamy flake upon me as I travel, 

With many a silvery waterbrake above the golden 
gravel, 

And draw them all along and flow to join the brim¬ 
ming river; 

For men may come and men may go, but I go on for¬ 
ever.” 

{They all applaud as Logan finishes .) 

Judge Kelcy. Absolutely correct, Henry. That’s 
what I call fittingly spoken. 

Dr. Wainwright {looking at Logan in wonder). 
You’ve been down river for supplies, fished, hiked and 

5 



6 


THIRTEEN PLUS 


been on the move since six-thirty this morning. Don’t 
you ever feel tired? 

Logan. So seldom that I am hardly acquainted with 
the sensation. 

Helen ( to Eleanor). How do you ever stand such 
a husband ? 

Eleanor. It is wearing at times, I’ll admit. I have 
such a feeling of being about a day and a half behind. 

Dr. W. You do surprisingly well at keeping up. 
Doesn’t she, Ted? 

Theodora. Yes, indeed. Mother is wonderful. 

Kelcy. We all echo that, Mrs. Logan. 

Logan {laughing) . Such a fuss about nothing! 

Elea, {reproachfully). Henry! And I was feeling 
quite overwhelmed! 

(The ladies turn to their cards. Dr. Wainwright 
comes forward and joins Logan near counter.) 

Dr. W. Where does the new camper hail from, 
Henry ? 

Logan. Jeffrey? From New York City. I don’t 
know much about him. He is a friend of Dave Hanson’s. 
That should be recommendation enough. 

(Dr. Wainwright and Kelcy nod.) 

Theo. He is a good scout. He was out with us fish¬ 
ing all the afternoon. 

Helen. Maybe he is, Ted, but I think he is too dis¬ 
agreeable for words. 

Elea. Yes. So do I. He is. 

Theo. {laughing). Well, can you beat that? You 
only saw him at dinner. Condemned without a hearing. 

Elea. Not without a hearing. 

Helen. I should say not. That man is never present 
without a hearing. 

Dr. W. Ah! Now we have the ladies’ prejudice. 
Jeffrey talks too much. 

Elea. It’s silly, I know, but I had the queerest feeling 
about him when he came in this noon. What is he, 
Henry ? 


THIRTEEN PLUS J 

Logan. He follows the same profession as your dis¬ 
tinguished husband, my dear. He is a lawyer. 

Dr. W. And he writes. 

Channing (turning to Dr. Wainwright with inter¬ 
est). Does he? What for? 

Dr. W. I’m not sure. For “ Everyman’s ” anyway. 
I read an article by him last month. 

Helen. What on? 

Dr. W. Prohibition. 

Kelcy ( with interest). Is that so? I must look it up. 

Chan. For “ Everyman’s,” of course? 

Dr. W. Yes. A splendidly written article. 

Kelcy. I shall be glad to see something of the young 
man. 

Elea. ( with a shrug). You are welcome to him. 

(Arnold Jeffrey enters, l.) 

Kelcy. Good-evening, Mr. Jeffrey. 

Jeffrey. Good-evening ( Looks from the Judge 
around the room.) everyone! 

All. Good-evening. 

Theo. {in a quick aside to Helen and Eleanor as 
Jeffrey turns to Kelcy). Talk about angels! 

Jeff. It is going to be a wonderful night. 

Kelcy. Yes. How do you like camp, Mr. Jeffrey? 

Jeff, {stands talking to the Judge). I’m in love with 
it. 

Logan {with a cautious glance at Kelcy). The Judge 
is strong on Prohibition. 

Dr. W. And death on rum runners. He has stirred 
up considerable feeling in certain directions. 

Kelcy {looking across to Logan). Henry, how near 
did you say this camp is to the Canadian line ? 

Logan. Eight miles. 

Jeff. Only eight miles? Good location for certain 
kinds of {Hesitates.) sport. 

{The guests glance at Logan and look uneasily from 
one to the other.) 

Dr. W. {with an awkward laugh). Well, just how do 
you want us to take that? 


8 


THIRTEEN PLUS 


Jeff, (hastily). Just as I said it. Surely you didn’t 
think there was any personal thought in my mind ? 

Logan. Certainly not. Never dreamed of such a 
thing. 

Dr. W. (turning quickly to the ladies). Well, ladies, 
what is the score? 

Theo. Oh, your wife wins. 

Helen. Yes, I believe I do. I have thirteen plus. 

(Pauses.) 

Ethel (stepping forward surprised). Thirteen plus? 

Logan (looking at Helen curiously). Did we under¬ 
stand aright? 

Jeff. A very odd score, Mrs. Wainwright. 

Helen. Oh, that isn’t the score. (Picks up slip of 
paper.) Thirteen on this slip plus (Takes up another 
slip.) thirteen on this. (Looks up surprised.) That is 
odd. 

Elea. Oh, I wouldn’t sleep for a week if I had any¬ 
thing like that happen to me. One thirteen is bad enough. 
But two of them! 

Helen (laughing ). I should worry. Thirteen is my 
lucky number. 

Theo. How about the camp-fire? Everybody out? 

All (rising). Yes! Surely. Lead us to it! 

Theo. We will have to initiate Mr. Jeffrey. (Turns 
to Jeffrey.) Stand in front of me. I’ll steer you. 

Jeff, (stepping in front of Theodora). All right. I 
am game for anything, Miss Logan. 

Theo. Good! I foresee that you are going to be a 
good camper. You lead, Father. 

Logan. All right. Come, Judge! (Judge Kelcy 
stands hack of Logan and the guests all stand in line, 
Channing alone remaining by the fire. Each guest puts 
his hands on the shoulders of the one in front and they 
march around the room keeping time with the lines they 
repeat. Logan, getting the time.) Left, left, all ready! 

All. Left, left, left his wife and fourteen children, 
up by Jingo! (On the last three words they change 
feet.) Right, right, right for his country! Up by Jingo! 
Left, left, etc. 


THIRTEEN PLUS 


9 


(Logan leads them around room and leaves the line as 
they reach door, l. They exeunt laughing. Logan 
exits by stairs.) 

(Channing goes to center table. Spreads out some 
manuscript, takes out pen and begins to write. He 
suddenly stops, drops pen on table, shakes his head, 
tears the paper he has been writing on, sits looking 
across at the fire and nervously snapping his fingers, 
suddenly gives a satisfied “ ah,” takes up pen and 
begins to write rapidly.) 

(If desired the lights may be turned out to emphasize 
the break in the story, then let them come slowly on, 
revealing Channing at the table writing and Logan 
coming down the stairs. In the distance a man’s 
voice is heard singing a popular song.) 

Logan (as he reaches the foot of stairs). You here, 
Phil ? I thought everyone was out around the camp-fire. 

Chan. That’s right. Everyone but me. I am hav¬ 
ing a little camp-fire of my own. 

Logan. Aren’t you coming out ? 

Chan, (wrathfully). No! 

Logan (laughing). Don’t then! Stay in! 

Chan. That’s the damnable part of the writing game. 
You promise a manuscript at a certain time, and then you 
have to work your brain whether you want to or not. 

Logan. Is there ever a time that you want to? I 
never see you working your brain until you have to. 

Chan. You bet you don’t. But I’m not alone. It’s 
queer but the most of us seem to do our best work under 
pressure. 

(There is the sound of laughter and cheers in the dis¬ 
tance.) 

Logan (smiling as he listens). Unusually hilarious 
to-night. 

Chan. I don’t see anything unusual about it. Just 
the same every night. We never lose our pep up here. 
Something in the air, I guess. For heaven’s sake go out 


lO THIRTEEN PLUS 

and leave me to my misery. I’m coming close and draw 
inspiration from the flames. 

(He crosses to armchair by fire.) 

Logan. Hope you have a good time. 

Chan, (as Logan exits, l.) Hope you choke! 

Logan (outside). Thanks! 

(Channing turns the light out. Room is lighted by 
fire only. He sits in front of fire and begins to 
write. Flora enters, r. She stands listening for a 
second. Channing is sitting back to her and she 
does not see him. She goes to counter, takes leather 
mail bag, brings it to center table and begins to look 
the mail over. Channing watches her for a sec¬ 
ond.) 

Chan. Well, Flora? 

Flora (with a gasp). Glory be to God, sir! How 
yez sthartled me! 

Chan. What are you looking for? 

Flora. My niece, Meriam. 

Chan, (rising and going to her). Did you expect to 
find her in the mail bag? 

Flora (confused). No, sir. What I mint, sir, wuz 
I come in ter see if Meriam wuz here and I wuz jist 
afther lookin’ fer one of thim postal cards of the camp. 
I asked Misther Logan if I could hev wan ter sind to me 
sisther Illen. 

Chan. I see. (Closes the bag and puts it on man¬ 
tel.) What you want is over here. 

(Goes to counter and opens box. It is rather dark by 
counter. He uses a flashlight. Flora follows him 
to counter. While they stand back to, Marie Le 
Bon steps cautiously in through window, takes bag 
from mantel, removes package of mail, puts bag on 
mantel, steps out of window again.) 

Flora. I’m sorry to be afther troublin’ yez, sir. 

Chan. That’s all right. (Hands her a card.) This 
is what you want, isn’t it? 


THIRTEEN PLUS 


II 


Flora. Yis, sir. You haven’t seen Meriam, sir? 

Chan. No, I wouldn’t be likely to. I have been sit¬ 
ting here working for some time. 

Flora. Shure, she don’t hisitate to come in here whin 
she gits the chance. An’ I don’t loike it at all, at all. 
Those that ain’t in yez class hed better know their place 
and use sinse and kape outer trouble. 

Chan, (smiling). I haven’t the least idea what you 
are talking about, but it listens good. 

Flora. Shure, I knows what I’m talkin’ about all 
roight, all roight, and I’m tillin’ yez there’s some quare 
goin’s on in this camp and they ain’t no good thot’ll come 
of it. 

Chan. Oh, for heaven’s sake don’t invite trouble that 
way. Haven’t you found out yet that we’re going to get 
what we are looking for and to be on the safe side we 
must always be looking for good instead of bad? 

Flora. Shure, whin things begin ter happin jist re- 
mimber whot I’ve been tillin’ yez. [Exit, L. 

Chan, (calling after her). Cheerful cherub! 

(Channing sits by fire, begins to write. Ethel en¬ 
ters, L.) 

Ethel (breathlessly and somewhat cautiously). 
Philip! 

*Chan. (rising). Ethel! What is it? (Goes to her.) 
Why, you are trembling, dear. What has happened? 
Tell me! 

Ethel. Phil, will you help me without asking any 
questions ? 

Chan. Of course I will. 

Ethel. You will trust me always no matter what 
happens ? 

Chan, (simply). My dear, haven’t I asked you to be 
my wife? 

Ethel. Hush! I’m always afraid Father will be 
somewhere near. 

Chan. Ethel, how much longer must we go on like 
this ? 

Ethel. Oh, I don’t know. Not for long, I hope, but 


12 


THIRTEEN PLUS 


Father can’t know now. ( Looks towards door.) I 
must hurry back. I’ll be missed. 

Chan. What is it you want me to do ? 

Ethel. You are alone here? 

Chan. Yes. Even Flora has gone out. 

Ethel. Then you can use the telephone without any¬ 
one hearing. I want you to send a telegram for me. 
You can get the Central Office at Upper Lake until nine, 
you know. (Channing nods.) Go up to my room. 
In the leather case in the right-hand corner of the upper 
drawer in the dresser you will find a slip of paper with a 
New York telephone number. Oh, don't look at me that 
way, Phil! 

Chan. ( trying to speak lightly). But all this sounds 
rather mysterious, you know. 

Ethel (with a half sob buries her face on his shoul¬ 
der). Oh, Phil! 

Chan. ( his arm around her). My dear, forgive me. 
I know you are serious. I wasn’t laughing. I was only 
trying to encourage you. The message you want me to 
send ? 

Ethel. Just two words—thirteen plus. 

Chan, [repeating) . Thirteen plus. [Suddenly.) Why, 
Ethel, that was what Helen- 

Ethel [interrupting). Phil, you promised to help 
without questioning. I don’t know why Helen used 
those words. I only know this message must be sent. 
You won’t fail me? 

Chan. You know that I will not. 

Ethel. And after you send the message you will for¬ 
get? 

Chan. I promise. 

Ethel [putting her arms around his neck for a sec¬ 
ond). I won’t try to tell you what I feel. 

[Exit, l. Channing goes to window, looks out, re¬ 
turns, looks at his watch, starts towards stairs. 
Judge Kelcy enters, l.) 

Kelcy. Where’s Ethel? 

Chan. I don’t know. 



THIRTEEN PLUS 


!3 


Kelcy. You lie! 

Chan. ( taking a step forward). Judge Kelcy! 
(Stops.) What are you trying to do? Deliberately pick 
a quarrel with me ? 

Kelcy. I saw her come over here. 

Chan, (draws a long breath). You are an older man. 
We will let it pass. 

Kelcy (sneeringly). You don’t mean it? Is my 
daughter in her room? 

Chan, (sits by fire and takes up his work). Why 
don’t you go up and look ? 

Kelcy. Not worth while. If she was up there you 
wouldn’t be so willing for me to go up and look. 

Ciian. Oh, I don’t know. I haven’t any right as yet 
to interfere between you and Miss Ethel. 

Kelcy. As yet ? As yet ? I suppose that means that 
you think some day you will have the right. 

Chan. I didn’t say that. 

Kelcy. Well, let me tell you, young man, you’ll never 
live to see that day. 

Chan, (quietly). Why should we quarrel, Judge? 

Kelcy. We won’t if you will let Ethel alone. 

Chan. What is your objection to me? 

Kelcy. Haven’t any. You are a good clean chap as 
far as I know, and a smart one, and you are making 
money. But I have other plans for my daughter and I 
intend to see them carried out. So be warned. Stay 
out of this if you don’t want trouble. [Exits, l. 

(Channing goes on writing for a few seconds, listens, 
goes to window, to door, finally exits by stairs. 
George enters, r., stands listening for a second, 
takes a pipe from his pocket; as if knocking the 
ashes from pipe he strikes the pipe on table once, 
pause, three times, pause, once, long pause, repeats 
the signal; it is answered from wall back of stairs; 
slight pause. Marie enters by window.) 

George. All right, Jim? 

Marie (pulls up her hat). Jim ees no come. 

George. You, Marie? Where is Jim? 


14 


THIRTEEN PLUS 


Marie. Jim ees seeck. He ver’ seeck. He come in 
las’ night an’ he get fever. Hees head swim all ze time. 
Marie will do all Jim do. He tell Marie what to do. 
George. You’ve got it through? 

Marie. Yes, and now ees ze real danger. Who come 
in to-day? 

George. A lawyer named Jeffrey. Seems all right. 
Marie. Everytheeng all right so far. Jim fear ze 
Judge. 

George. Yes, it beats the devil that he should come 
up here for his vacation, but I should worry. We’ll pull 
it off under his very nose! 

(Meriam enters, l.) 

Meriam. Coast is clear. There is no one in the 
house at all. Why, Marie ! Are you here ? 

Marie. I come. Jim ees seeck. I do hees part. 
Mer. Well, I would rather it would be you than me. 
For heaven’s sake be careful, 

George. Don’t worry. Leave it to us. 

(George and Marie exeunt, l. Meriam goes to win¬ 
dow; kneels by window, looking cautiously out; 
there is the sound of a revolver shot; a woman 
screams. George rushes in, l. ) 

Mer. ( frantically, hurrying to him). What is it? 
What have you done? 

George. I haven’t done a thing. I don’t know what 
has happened. 

Mer. Where’s Marie? 

George. I don’t know. She is taking Jim’s place. 
She will have to look out for herself. Come on, quick! 
We will get as far from here as possible. 

(Pulls her out, r. They exeunt just as Channing 
comes dozun the stairs. He sees door, r., close, and 
rushes down the stairs and exits, r.) 

Logan {outside). Keep away! Keep the women 
away! Now, doctor! 


THIRTEEN PLUS I5 

(Channing hurries in, r., just as Helen enters, l., 
followed by Eleanor with Ethel.) 

Elea. (leading Ethel to chair). Be brave, dear. 

Chan. What is it? What has happened? 

Helen. Oh, I’m faint. I—I’m going to faint. 

Elea. No— no; don’t do that. (Looks uncertainly 
from Helen to Ethel.) Whatever you do, don’t faint. 

(Eleanor gets Helen some water.) 

Chan. ( impatiently). What is it? What has hap¬ 
pened ? 

Ethel {with a shudder, burying her face in her 
hands). Father- 

Chan, {anxiously). Yes? 

Elea. Judge Kelcy has been shot. 

Chan, {appalled). Shot? {Starts for door.) 

Elea. It is no use to go out. Henry and the doctor 
are with him. 

Chan. But where—how—how could- 

Elea. We don’t know. We can’t imagine. 

Helen. And that Mr. Jeffrey is just as unpleasant as 
we knew he could be. 

Elea. Yes, you never saw anything like it. He was 
telling everybody what to do. (Theodora enters, l.) 
Ted! 

Ethel. Father? Is he- 

Theo. Can’t tell yet, Miss Kelcy. They are going to 
try to take him into the doctor’s cabin. I want another 
flashlight and a lantern. 

Elea. ) {together). I’ll get the lantern. Here’s 

Chan. J the flash. 

(Eleanor exits, l. Channing hands Theodora a 
flashlight from counter.) 

Theo. Please telephone to the lumber camp. We’ve 
got to get some men on the job at once. (Channing 
goes to telephone, as Eleanor enters, r., with lantern. 
Theodora lights lantern.) Keep your courage up, 
Mother. 





i6 


THIRTEEN PLUS 


Elea. If there is anything I can do- 

Theo. I’ll let you know. I don’t believe there is any¬ 
thing. Dr. Wainwright is the only one who can do any¬ 
thing for the Judge. We need real woodsmen if we are 

going to chase the- ( Stops as she glances at 

Ethel.) See you later. [Exit, l., hastily. 

Chan, (at telephone) . Hello! This is Channing. 
Send every man you can up here. There has been an 
accident and we want all the help we can get. Yes. 
(Turns, goes to Ethel, leans over her; the others turn 
away.) You know, dear, I’ll do everything in my power. 

Ethel. I do know, Phil. Thank you. 

Chan. I am going out. 

(Starts l. Jeffrey enters, l.) 

All. Oh, Mr. Jeffrey! The Judge? Anything new? 

Jeff. Nothing to tell yet. They have just taken him 
into the cabin. The doctor couldn’t do much while he 
was on the ground and by lantern light. (As Chan¬ 
ning moves towards the door.) Where are you going, 
Mr. Channing? 

Chan, (shortly). Out. 

Jeff. I must request you to remain here. 

Chan, (surprised). What do you mean? 

Jeff. I am sorry, but I must place you under arrest. 

All. Arrest? Mr. Channing? 

Ethel (rising). What do you mean? 

Chan, (warningly). Ethel, please. (To Jeffrey.) 
By what authority are you acting, if I may inquire? 

Jeff. Certainly. (Opens coat and shows Channing 
a button.) Satisfy you? 

Chan, (looking at him wonderingly). I am afraid it 
will have to. Just what is your reason for my arrest? 

Jeff. You were not at the camp-fire. 

Chan. No, I was right here. 

Jeff. Everyone not at the camp-fire will be placed 
under arrest. 

Helen. Isn’t this terrible? How early can I get 
away from this camp in the morning, Eleanor? 




THIRTEEN PLUS 


J 7 


Elea, {vaguely). Why, I don’t know. Perhaps nine 
or- 

Jeff. No one will leave camp. I shall have to detain 
you all right here. 

Helen. Well, did you ever? Do you mean to say 
that we will have to stay here as long as you choose to 
keep us? 

Jeff. I regret to say such is the case. 

Helen ( breaking down). Isn’t he—a—a—perfect 
monster ? 

Elea, {disgusted) . Phil, can he really do this? 

Chan. He certainly can, but {Turns to Jeffrey.) I 
think you are somewhat officious. You might at least 
have waited for Mr. Logan to take the initiative. 

Jeff. Mr. Logan knows and approves. 

Chan. Pardon me, Mr. Jeffrey. I have nothing 
more to say. I am your prisoner. 

Helen. Well, I have more to say. I think this is an 
outrage and I am not anybody’s prisoner. 

Jeff. I didn’t say that you were, Mrs. Wainwright. 

Helen. I’d like to know what the difference is. You 
said I was detained and I can tell you right now- 

(Theodora enters, l.) 

Theo. Miss Kelcy, will you come, please? 

Ethel. Father? 

Theo. I don’t know. Father said to come for you. 
That is all I know. 

Ethel {turning to Jeffrey). Mr. Jeffrey, Mr. Chan- 
ning is the man I am going to marry. I want him with 
me. 

Jeff. I am very sorry, Miss Kelcy. I can’t permit 
Mr. Channing to leave this house. 

Chan, {walks to door with Ethel). Never mind, 
dear. Be brave. {She exits with Theodora. Chan¬ 
ning turns to Jeffrey.) I don’t understand your atti¬ 
tude. Why do you place such restrictions upon me? 

Jeff. You may as well know now as any time. The 
shot was fired from this house. You are the only one 
known to be in the house. 




i8 


THIRTEEN PLUS 


Chan. I see. 

Elea. Why, I believe you are trying to make it out 
that Philip Channing shot Judge Kelcy. 

Helen. That’s just what he is doing. {To Jeffrey.) 
I really hate to say it right to your face, but the occasion 
demands it. You are no gentleman. 

Chan. Thank you, Mrs. Wainwright. I appreciate 
that, but Mr. Jeffrey is quite within his rights. 

Jeff, {to Channing). And I appreciate that. 

Elea, {to Jeffrey). How do you know the shot was 
fired from this house? 

Jeff. Location of the bullet, and position in which 
the Judge was found. 

Elea. Phil, didn’t you hear or see anyone in this 
house ? 

Chan. I am not sure that I want to talk. 

Jeff. I advise you to tell all you know and the abso¬ 
lute truth. 

Chan. H’m. Thanks. Eli think it over. 

Theo. {outside). Go on in. 

Flora (entering, l., followed by Tfieodora). Shure 
and whot is the matter wid yez? 

Theo. {to Jeffrey). Prisoner for you. She wasn’t 
at the camp-fire and she was wandering around outside. 

Jeff. Who is she? 

Elea, {quickly). Our cook. 

Jeff, {to Flora). What have you been doing out¬ 
side? 

Flora. Looking for my niece. 

Elea. I believe that is true. Meriam gives her aunt 
a good deal of cause for anxiety. 

Flora. Shure yez nivir shpoke truer words than thim, 
Mrs. Logan. 

Jeff. Do you know what has happened? 

Flora. No, sir, not at all, at all. 

Jeff. Judge Kelcy has been shot. 

Flora. Shot? The Judge? The poor man! Saints 
presarve us. Is it dead he is? 

Jeff. No, but we are afraid- {Stops abruptly.) 

What about this niece of yours? 



THIRTEEN PLUS 


*9 


(Meriam and George enter , l.) 

Flora. Shure, here she is now. 

George. One of the lumber men said you wanted us 
inside. 

Jeff. Yes. Where have you been this last half 
hour? 

George {promptly). Walking, and sitting on the 
boat-house steps. 

Jeff. You know what has happened? 

George. Yes, sir. We were just told. 

Jeff. You have been together all the time this last 
half hour? 

Georce. J (together). Yes, sir. 

Jeff. Have either of you heard or seen anything tin- 
usual going on around here this evening? 

George (to Meriam.) Go on and tell him. 

Mer. I—I heard Judge Kelcy in here. 

Jeff. Yes. Go on. 

Mer. He—he was talking with ( She looks at Chan- 
ning half in triumph, half in hate.) with Mr. Channing 
about—about Miss Ethel Kelcy. The Judge threatened 
Mr. Channing. 

Jeff. Oh, he did? 

Mer. Yes, sir. I heard him say you’ll never live to 
see the day. He was very angry. 

Jeff. And what about Mr. Channing? 

Mer. {glances uneasily at Channing). Well— 
he- 

Chan. Tell the truth, Meriam, if you know how. 

Mer. Mr. Channing was calm. I heard him say— 
“ We’ll let it pass—you’re an older man,” or something 
like that. 

Jeff. You couldn’t repeat the whole conversation? 

Mer. No, sir. I only got a little here and there. 
The Judge says Mr. Channing can never marry his 
daughter. 

Jeff, {to Channing). Is this true? 

Chan. Yes, sir, it is. 

Jeff. (Jeffrey’s liking for Channing increases and 



20 


THIRTEEN PLUS 


his distrust of Meriam with every answer. To Mer- 
iam). How did you happen to be listening? 

Mer. I wasn’t listening. I was waiting for George 
to go for a walk. 

Chan. ( turning to her). Is that so? Waiting for 
George? Mr. Jeffrey, this conversation wasn’t fifteen 
minutes ago. She was waiting for George and yet they 
claim they have been together all the time for the last 
half hour. 

Jeff, (to George and Meriam). You are both under 
arrest. 

Mer. (frightened) . Arrest? Oh, Aunt Flora! 

Flora. Yez needn’t be looking ter me fer sympathy. 
I’ve been tillin’ yez nothin’ good wuz cornin’ of yer trap¬ 
sin’ around wid these guides. Where’s Jim? 

Jeff. Who is Jim? 

George. He is another guide. 

Elea. He hasn’t been in camp all day, Mr. Jeffrey. 
He went up the river yesterday with a camper from Up¬ 
per Lake. 

Jeff. That lets him out. 

(Logan and Ethel enter, L.) 

Chan. Ethel! 

(Goes to her. She turns to one side as if to avoid the 
others. He stands with his arm about her.) 

Logan. Jeffrey! Do your utmost. Spare no one. 

Elea, (breathlessly). Henry! The Judge? 

Logan. Judge Kelcy—has gone. 

(There is a general exclamation of sympathy from 
all.) 

Chan, (turns to Logan). Didn’t you find anything 
about him? Anything to work on? Any kind of a clue? 

Logan. The only unusual thing was a slip of paper 
in his hand. 

Chan. Yes! 

Logan. On the slip of paper were two words. 


THIRTEEN PLUS 21 

Chan. May we know what they were? 

Logan. Thirteen plus. 

(Helen gives a piercing scream and faints; they 
gather around her.) 


CURTAIN 


ACT II 

SCENE. —The same as in Act I. The next morning. 

It is a dull gray day. 

(At the rise of the curtain George stands alone hy the 
fireplace in an attitude of dejection, his arms on the 
mantel, his head on his arms. Meriam enters, R., 
and gives a quick look about.) 

Meriam. George! (He turns quickly. She comes 
forzvard and speaks cautiously.) Any word from Marie? 

George. No. 

Mer. What are we going to do? 

George. Keep cool and do the innocent act. 

Mer. I am so frightened. There is going to be an 
examination of everyone in camp. I hate that Mr. Jef¬ 
frey. 

George. Everything points to Channing, and your 
hearing his conversation with the Judge gives a motive. 

Mer. But he is innocent. We can’t let- 

George (interrupting) . They will find it out later and 
by that time we will be safe. 

Mer. (with a shiver). Goodness knows, I hope so! 
I must go back to the dining-room. I’ll be missed. You 
had better let Aunt Flora give you your breakfast. The 
hearing is going to be right after. 

George. All right. 

(Follows Meriam out, r. Slight pause. Marie looks 
in at window, withdraws. Channing enters, r., 
goes to window, looks out, quickly withdraws, hur¬ 
ries to counter, kneels back of it so he can just see 
what takes place. Marie cautiously steps in through 
window, takes a revolver from pocket and hides it 
back of logs in fireplace. She steps out window, 
closes window. Channing steps forward, waits a 

22 



THIRTEEN PLUS 


2 3 


few seconds, then in a casual way goes to window, 
opens it, looks out. Jeffrey enters, r.) 

Jeff. Where’s your appetite this morning, Channing? 

Chan, (still by window). Disappeared with yours. 
Another mystery added to our already overcrowded list. 

Jeff. What do you see out there ? Anything special ? 

Chan. No. I was just thinking about our case. It 
wouldn’t be possible for anyone to enter here without a 
ladder, would it? 

Jeff, (joins Channing and looks out of window). 
Of course not. Unless they could fly. (Turns away.) 

Chan, (smiling). That is the way it seemed to me. 

Jeff. Channing, I like you. I hope we can prove 
that you had nothing to do with this affair. 

Chan. Thanks. Hope we can. 

Jeff. You are a great success at figuring out these 
mysteries in fiction, why don’t you try your hand at a 
reality ? 

Chan. Truth is known to be stranger than fiction. I 
am afraid I should find myself on an unknown sea. 

Jeff. You have some corking ideas in your stories. 
I don’t know just how practical they would prove to be. 

Chan. Try them out some time. You have my full 
permission. 

Jeff, (laughs). I’ll take you at your word. 

(He exits by stairs. Helen and Eleanor enter, r., 
followed by Theodora and Dr. Wainwright.) 

Elea, (to Channing). Ethel hasn’t come down yet? 

Chan. No. (Eleanor turns to stairs.) I think 
Jeffrey has just gone up to talk with her. 

(Eleanor turns back.) 

Helen. Oh, such a night! I never slept a wink. 

Elea, (goes to window). Whoever opened this win¬ 
dow? It’s dismal and cold and damp and I’m cross. 

(Slams the window down.) 

Helen. I object most decidedly to this examination 
we are expected to go through. 


24 


THIRTEEN PLUS 


Dr. W. (looking at her anxiously). Why, Helen? 

Helen. Because I do. What right has Mr. Jeffrey 
to take charge here? 

Chan. Every right in the world, Mrs. Wainwright. 
He represents the United States Government. 

(Logan enters, r.) 

Elea** } (l°9 et ^ er )’ He does? 

Logan. Yes. Mr. Jeffrey came up here for a par^ 
ticular purpose. 

Elea. Did you know it ? 

Logan. No, I didn’t dream of such a thing. He is 
quite within his rights in taking charge as he has. Lie 
has sent to New York for the other officials usually called 
in such a case. 

(Goes to counter and takes up mail hag.) 

Teieo. We’ll have to submit with as good a grace as 
possible. 

Logan (with an exclamation of astonishment ). Who 
has touched this mail bag? 

All {with exception of Channing). I haven’t. 
Not I. 

Chan, {quickly). What has happened? 

Logan. No mail in the bag. 

(Jeffrey comes down the stairs followed by Ethel.) 

All. What ? 

Jeff. How much did you have there last night? 

Logan. A whole package. Probably thirty letters or 
more. 

Jeff. All right. That goes with the rest of the evi¬ 
dence. Call your help, please. 

(Theodora exits, r.) 

Elea, {goes to Ethel). Good-morning, dear. 

{All greet Ethel. The ladies sit near fireplace. Dr. 
Wainwright stands hack of Helen’s chair. Logan 
sits on stool hack of counter. Channing starts to 
cross to Ethel.) 


THIRTEEN PLUS 


*5 


Jeff. Not now, Mr. Channing. (Channing turns 
away and goes to counter. He stands leaning back 
against counter. Theodora enters and stands near 
Channing. Flora and Meriam enter, r., followed by 
George. Jeffrey places a chair for Flora near right 
entrance. Meriam stands by her. George crosses back 
and stands near window. Jeffrey takes table center.) 
Now, Dr. Wainwright! (Dr. Wainwright steps for¬ 
ward.) There is no doubt in your mind about the bullet 
being fired from this house? 

Dr. W. Not the slightest. I am certain about that. 

Jeff. Where was it fired from? 

Dr. W. There are three possibilities. 

Jeff. Yes? 

Dr. W. This window here, the window above it and 
the roof outside the up-stairs window. 

Jeff. (nods). And which do you think the most 
likely? 

Dr. W. The window up-stairs or the roof. This 
window is possible but not probable. 

Jeff. Mr. Channing! (Channing steps forward; 
Dr. Wainwright steps back.) Were you in this house 
when the shot was fired? 

Chan. I was. 

Jeff. In this room? 

Chan. No, sir. 

Jeff. Where were you ? 

Chan. In the hall up-stairs. 

(All are surprised.) 

Jeff. What were you doing? 

Chan. Nothing. 

Jeff. Indeed? Why were you up there? 

(Than. I can’t tell you. 

Jeff. You won’t tell me, you mean? 

Chan. I mean just what I said. I can’t. 

Jeff. Do you realize the position you are in? 

Chan. I certainly do. 

Jeff. Your cabin is outside the house. What pos¬ 
sible errand could you have up-stairs in this house ? 


26 


THIRTEEN PLUS 


Chan. I have told you I can’t answer. 

Ethel (suddenly rising and coming forward). Mr. 
Jeffrey, he went to my room. I asked him to. 

Jeff. ( turning to her). Indeed? Where were you? 

Ethel. You know I was out at the camp-fire. 

Jeff. You left the camp-fire and came over here. 
Why didn’t you go to your room yourself? 

Ethel. There wasn’t time. 

Jeff, {musingly) . Wasn’t time? You mean you were 
afraid your father would miss you? 

Ethel {hesitates a second). Yes, that is what I mean. 

Jeff. And he did, and came to look for you, and so 
met his fate. 

Chan. Do you think it was necessary to say that? 

(Channing starts to go to Ethel.) 

Jeff. I am conducting this examination. You stay 
right where you are. (Channing turns away.) Now, 
Miss Kelcy, why did you ask Mr. Channing to go to your 
room ? 

Ethel. That I cannot tell you. 

Jeff. You mean, will not? 

Ethel. Yes. Will not. 

Jeff. And you have pledged Mr. Channing to se¬ 
crecy? 

Ethel. Yes, I have. 

Jeff. Very clever, Miss Kelcy. 

Ethel. What do you mean? Don’t you believe me? 

Jeff. ( turns to Channing with an exasperating 
smile). Mr. Channing, after we went out to the camp¬ 
fire were you alone here? 

(Ethel returns to her chair.) 

Chan. Alone in this room. 

Jeff. Who was in the house ? 

Chan. Mr. Logan and Flora. If anyone else was 
here I didn’t see them. 

Jeff. But those two you did see? 

Chan. Yes, sir. Mr. Logan passed through on his 
way to the camp-fire and Flora was looking for her niece. 


THIRTEEN PLUS 


2 7 


Jeff. Which way did they enter the room? 

Chan. I didn’t see them come in. 

Jeff. Then either one might have come down the 
stairs ? 

Chan. It is possible. 

Jeff. The next to enter was Miss Ethel ? 

Chan. Yes, sir. 

Jeff. She didn’t go up-stairs? 

Chan. She did not. 

Jeff. But she asked you to go? 

Chan. She did. 

Jeff. After she left, Judge Kelcy came and you quar¬ 
reled with him ? 

Chan. It wasn’t exactly a quarrel. 

Jeff. But he refused you his daughter and said you 
would never live to see the day she would be your wife? 

Chan. Yes, that is true. 

Jeff. Immediately after this, the Judge left, you went 
up-stairs and the Judge was shot, in all probability from 
an up-stairs window. You will have to admit this looks 
pretty bad for you. 

Chan. Couldn’t be much worse. 

Jeff. Now, you say when the shot was fired you were 
standing in the hall up-stairs doing nothing. Just what 
do you mean? 

Chan. I was standing outside Miss Kelcy’s door. I 
had just come from her room. 

Jeff. Why were you standing there? 

Chan. I was looking at something. 

Jeff. Don’t you think you had better tell what you 
were looking at? 

Chan. Maybe I had. From where I was standing I 
could see the up-stairs window and standing on the roof 
outside the window was ( Hesitates .) 

Jeff. ( quickly, while the others all lean forward ). 
Yes? 

Chan. A woman. 

All. A woman? 


(Helen screams. Jeffrey turns and looks at her.) 



28 


THIRTEEN PLUS 


Jeff. ( turning to Channing). This is most surpris¬ 
ing, Mr. Channing. 

Chan. That is what I thought at the time. 

Jeff. Will you go on and tell what happened? 

Chan. I heard the shot and rushed down-stairs. 

Jeff. ( incredulously ). Leaving a woman on the roof ? 

Chan. The shot sounded to me as if it was in this 
room. I thought it was more important to find out about 
that, so I- 

Jeff. ( interrupting ). Now wait! You say the woman 
on the roof didn’t fire the shot? 

Chan. No, I didn’t say that. She might have. The 
Lord only knows what she was doing there, but it 
sounded to me down here. 

Jeff. Did you hear anyone down here? 

Chan. Yes, sir. 

Logan. You did? 

Jeff. ( turning to Logan). I am conducting this hear¬ 
ing. (To Channing.) Now then, what did you hear? 

Chan. Voices. 

Jeff, (exasperated) . Would you mind telling a little 
on your own account? And it is your own account. I 
hope you realize that fully. 

Chan. I am fairly bright, I think. What do you 
want me to say? 

Jeff, (sharply). How many voices? Did you recog¬ 
nize them? 

Chan. Two voices and I did recognize them. 

All (very much excited). You did? Who were 
they ? 


(General confusion.) 

Jeff, (pounding on table). Will you people keep out 
of this? (To Channing.) Whose voices did you hear? 
Chan, (coolly). I have no idea of telling you. 

All. What? Mr. Channing! Are you crazy? 
Ethel. Oh, Phil! 

Logan. For heaven’s sake, Channing! 

Jeff, (again pounding on table). Will you people be 
silent? (To Channing.) Mr. Channing, surely you- 





THIRTEEN PLUS 29 

Chan. You will waste time if you go any further on 
that line. 

Jeff. Is that so? I’ll make you talk before I get 
through. What about the woman on the roof? 

Chan. I don’t know what became of her. I forgot 
about her. 

Jeff. You saw a woman on the roof and forgot about 
her ! My God ! 

Chan. For a few minutes. There was so much ex¬ 
citement, and please remember that it was Miss Kelcy’s 
father who had been shot. When I finally remembered 
what I had seen up-stairs, of course there was no woman 
on the roof. 

Jeff. Can you give me a description? 

Chan. About Miss Kelcy’s build. Dark skirt and 
middy blouse. 

Jeff. Fortunate for Miss Kelcy that she went imme¬ 
diately to the camp-fire. 

Chan. Otherwise I shouldn’t have mentioned the 
woman on the roof. 

Jeff. You didn’t see her face? 

Chan. I did not. 

Jeff. That will do for the present, Mr. Channing. 
(Channing steps aside.) Now, Flora! (Flora comes 
forward.) Where were you? 

Flora. Whin? 

Jeff. When Judge Kelcy was shot? 

Flora. I wuz down near the lumber camp. 

Jeff. How do you know you were? 

Flora. Shure, an’ don’t yez shuppose I know where 
I am at? 

Jeff. Did you hear the shot? 

Flora. Saints be praised I did not. 

Jeff. How do you know, then, where you were when 
it was fired ? 

Flora. Go awan wid yez! Yez afther tryin’ ter git 
me goat! 

Jeff, {sharply). Answer my question ! 

Flora. I wint ter camp and whin I come back Miss 
Theodora told me ter come in here, and yez told me your- 


30 


THIRTEEN PLUS 


silf the Jedge wuz shot, God rist his soul, and it wuz 
while I wuz gone it happined and I only wint ter the lum¬ 
ber camp, and it’s a blissin’ from Providence I did go, 
so Pm not mixed in this at all, at all, the Saints be praised 
and- 

Jeff. Wait a minute! Wait a minute! Why did 
you go to the lumber camp? 

Flora.. Lookin’ fer Meriam. 

Jeff. Did you see her ? 

Flora. No danger! 

Jeff. Did you see anyone at all? 

Flora. I did. 

Jeff. Who was it? 

Flora. I don’t know at all, at all! 

Jeff. Will you please be more explicit? 

Flora. Will yez plase talk United States? 

Jeff. Was it a man or woman? 

Flora. A woman. 

Jeff. Where did you see her? 

Flora. Coming up from the lumber camp. 

Jeff. And you didn’t recognize her? 

Flora. It wuz dark and she hed on an outin’ hat 
pulled over her eyes. I thought it wuz Miss Kilcy, but 
she didn’t seem ter want ter spheak so I wint roight 
along about me own business. 

Jeff. How was she dressed? 

Flora. A dark skirt and a middy blouse. I wuz jist 
afther thinkin’ whin Misther Channing mintioned the 
lady on the roof- 

Jeff. (nods). Yes, it seems to fit. Where did she go? 

Flora. I don’t know. I thought it wuz Miss Kilcy 
and I niver took no notice. 

Jeff. I see. Well, I guess that is all you can do for 
us now. Meriam, I’ll talk with you. 

Mer. (stepping forward). Yes, sir. 

(She assumes a pert, “I should worry” attitude.) 

Jeff. You went out walking with George last even¬ 
ing? 

Mer. Yes, sir. 




THIRTEEN PLUS 


3 1 


Jeff. Where did you go ? 

Mer. Down by the river first and then sat on the 
boat-house steps. 

Jeff. And then? 

Mer. And then came back this way, and then went 
down to the lumber camp. And it was when we come 
back here that I heard the Judge and Mr. Channing. 
George left me to get his flashlight. 

Jeff. That isn’t just what you said last night. 

Mer. Well, you see, George wasn’t gone but two or 
three minutes, so we really were together all the time just 
as I said. 

Jeff. You have that nicely rehearsed. Can George 
say it as well as you can ? 

Mer. Sir? 

Jeff. That’s all for you now, but don’t think for a 
minute that you are fooling anyone but yourself. 
(Meriam tosses her head and turns away.) Mrs. Wain- 
wright! (Helen steps forward. Her attitude is one of 
resentment.) What is the meaning of thirteen plus? 

Helen. If it has a meaning I don’t know what it is. 

Jeff. It would really be wise for you to be candid 
with me, Mrs. Wainwright. 

Helen. I am. It was my score, just as I told you. 
If there is anything more to it, why, it is purely coinci¬ 
dental ! 

Jeff. And you fainted over something purely coinci¬ 
dental ? 

Helen. I fainted from hysteria. 

Dr. W. ( steps forward). I sincerely believe that, Mr. 
Jeffrey. Not because it is my wife. I would say the 
same of any of the other ladies if they were in a similar 
position. 

Jeff. Did you ever see your wife faint that way be¬ 
fore ? 

Dr. W. No, I never did, but she has never before 
been concerned in anything of a serious nature. 

Jeff. Is she subject to hysteria or fainting spells? 

Dr. W. (reluctantly) . No, she isn’t, but- 

Jeff. That’s enough on that for the present. 



3 2 


THIRTEEN PLUS 


Dr. W. But I would like- 

Jeff, (interrupting) . I said enough. 

Dr. W. ( turns away). Oh, very well. 

Jeff. Mr. Logan, what were you doing up-stairs just 
after we went out to the camp-fire? 

Logan ( stepping forward). Who says I was up¬ 
stairs ? 

Jeff. I do. 

Logan. Indeed? And if I say I wasn’t? 

Jeff. That wouldn’t go a great way with me. I 
know that you were. 

Logan. Indeed ? 

Jeff. What were you doing in Miss Kelcy’s room? 

Ethel (surprised). My room? 

Jeff, (shows Logan a watch charm). This is yours? 

Logan. Yes—but- 

(Hesitates, gives a quick glance at Eleanor.) 

Jeff. But what? 

Logan. Nothing. 

Elea. He hasn’t been wearing that charm. He was 
afraid he would lose it in the woods and he gave it to me. 
I have been wearing it on my neck chain. 

Jeff. Were you in Miss Kelcy’s room yesterday? 

Elea. No, I was not. I don’t believe I have been in 
her room for a week. 

Jeff. How do you account for my picking this up in 
her room? 

Elea. I don’t account for it. The charm has been 
missing since yesterday morning. I have no idea where 
I lost it. 

Jeff. Miss Kelcy, you didn’t pick up this charm and 
take it into your room? 

Ethel. No. I don’t recall that I ever saw the charm 
before. 

Jeff. Well, that will do for now. How many of you 
people own guns? (The men step forward. Also Ethel 
and Theodora. Jeffrey takes a number of revolvers 
from his pockets and places them on table.) Identify 
these. 




THIRTEEN PLUS 


33 


(As the men stand around the table, Eleanor speaks 
to the ladies, shivers and turns to the fireplace as if 
suggesting a fire.) 

Logan ( points to a gun and then to another). Mine! 
And mine. 

Chan. ( takes one). Mine, 

Theo. Here is mine. ( Takes it from her pocket and 
hands it to Jeffrey. He examines it.) I had it with 
me yesterday when we went out in the woods. 

George (takes his from pocket and shows it to Jef¬ 
frey). Mine. Always with me. 

Dr. W, ( points to one on table). That is mine. 

Ethel. Mine isn’t here. I will go up-stairs and- 

Jeff. You don’t need to. There are no guns up¬ 
stairs. Yours isn’t here? 

Ethel. So it seems. 

Jeff. When did you last have it? 

Ethel. I haven’t used it since I came. 

Jeff. Where did you keep it? 

Ethel. In a case on my dresser. 

Jeff. Am I to understand that somebody took it with¬ 
out your permission ? 

Ethel. If it isn’t up-stairs they certainly did. 

Jeff. Your father? 

Ethel. Had his own. He wouldn’t touch mine. 

Elea, (suddenly). Mr. Jeffrey! Come here ! 

Jeff, (rising quickly). What is it? 

Elea, (points into fireplace). Look there! 

(Jeffrey goes to fireplace, kneels and takes out re¬ 
volver. ) 

Jeff. A gun. (Examines it.) E. C. K. Miss 
Kelcy, is this yours? 

Ethel. Yes, it is. 

Jeff, (sternly). How does it happen to be in such an 
unusual place? 

Ethel. Good gracious, I don’t know. You don’t 
suppose I put it there? 

Jeff. I’m not supposing anything. I’m trying to get 



34 


THIRTEEN PLUS 


at facts. (Examines gun.) There’s a cartridge gone. 
Dr. Wainwright, is this the kind of gun- 

{Hands it to Dr. Wainwright.) 

Dr. W. {examines gun). Yes, it is. 

Jeff. Then without a question Miss Kelcy’s gun is 
the one which was used. 

Ethel {with a shudder). Oh! 

{There is silence for a second as they all look their 
sympathy for Ethel.) 

Jeff. Mrs. Logan, did you know that gun was there? 

Elea, {indignantly). Mr. Jeffrey! 

Jeff. It’s very odd you should discover it just at the 
opportune moment. 

Elea. Yes, it is, I’ll admit, but it just happened. 
We are cold, and I was just telling Helen we would ask 
George to light a fire. Just as I leaned forward I saw it 
there. 

Jeff. Mrs. Logan, a charm which you were wearing 
is found on the floor in front of Miss Kelcy’s dresser. 
Her gun, which was on the dresser, is missing. You 
find the gun in a peculiar hiding-place just at the psycho¬ 
logical moment. 

Elea. But you know I was at the camp-fire. 

Jeff. I know you didn’t fire the shot, but you may 
have been an accomplice to the one who did. 

Logan {stepping forward). See here, Jeffrey, do you 
accuse my wife- 

Jeff, {interrupting ). I am not accusing anyone yet, 
but she may have been an accomplice to you, for in¬ 
stance. You are known to have been up-stairs just be¬ 
fore the Judge was shot. How are we to know you 
didn’t go in Miss Kelcy’s room and take her revolver? 
This examination is over for the time being. I want 
some time to myself. I’ll call you together later. Oh, 
one other question. Did anyone beside Flora and Mr. 
Channing see the mysterious lady of the roof? {No one 
speaks.) Very well. 

Elea. Are we permitted to go outside at all ? 




THIRTEEN PLUS 


35 


Jeff. Yes. The lumbermen are acting as a guard 
and they will allow you within certain limits. The piazza, 
the yard, the tennis court, the quoit field are all at your 
disposal as usual. 

Theo. As if anyone would play games! 

(Telephone rings . Logan starts to answer.) 

Jeff. I’ll take the message. 

(Goes quickly to telephone.) 

Logan ( turns away). As you like. 

Jeff. Hello! Yes. Mr. Logan’s camp. ( Turns to 
Ethel.) Telegram for Miss Kelcy. (Ethel steps for¬ 
ward.) “Deepest sympathy.” Signed — “Knox.” 
(Ethel gives a quick look towards Channing.) All 
right. ( Hangs up receiver , turns to Ethel.) How is 
it possible for anyone to be sending you a message of 
sympathy ? 

Ethel {helplessly) . Why—I—I—don’t know. 

Jeff, {wrathfully). Well, somebody knows. Who 
has sent a telegram for Miss Kelcy ? 

{Looks suspiciously at Channing.) 

Chan. Not I, Mr. Jeffrey, not but what I would if 
she had asked me and such a thing had been possible. 

Logan. Well, such a thing hasn’t been possible. You 
can see that for yourself, Mr. Jeffrey. 

Jeff. I can’t see anything of the kind. I can see it 
has been possible. What I can’t see is how! I spent 
the night in this room and no one was allowed out of the 
house. Somebody is damned clever, but I’ll match him 
before I get through. {To Ethel.) I suppose it is use¬ 
less to ask you who Knox is ? 

Ethel. Yes, it is, quite, because I don’t know. 

Jeff. ( disgusted, turning to the others). Sa-ay—do 
I look or act like a natural born idiot? 

{No one speaks. Helen giggles.) 

Helen. Don’t all speak at once! 


3 6 


THIRTEEN PLUS 


Elea. ( with a sarcastic smile'). We are at liberty to 
break up this pleasant little gathering? 

Jeff. You are. 

(Helen and Eleanor talk together. Flora and 
Meriam exeunt, r. George follows. Theodora 
speaks to Logan and then exits, l.) 

Chan, (to Jeffrey). May I have a few words with 
Miss Kelcy? 

Jeff. As many as you like;. Hope you’ll talk a little 
sense to each other. 

Chan, (smiling). I am not sure that is one of the 
possible things but we’ll do our best. 

Elea, (to Helen). Are you going out, Helen? 

Helen. Yes, I want some air. 

(Helen exits, l., followed by Dr. Wainwright. 
Eleanor goes up the stairs. Jeffrey exits, l.) 

Logan. Of course, I don’t have to tell you, Chan- 
ning, that all the circumstantial evidence in the country 
wouldn’t influence my opinion against you. 

Chan. Thanks. I felt sure of you. (Logan exits 
by stairs. Channing goes to Ethel.) My dear, you 
are so wonderfully brave. I haven’t words to tell you 
how proud I am of you. 

Ethel. Phil, dear! 

Chan. And you still trust me? 

Ethel. You know that I do. Phil, why did you tell 
me that you didn’t send my telegram last night ? 

Cha,n. I didn’t send it. 

Ethel. But, Phil, this message that just came is the 
answer. 

Chan, (bewildered). The answer? To the telegram 
you wanted me to send? But, my dear- 

Ethel (faintly). Phil, if you didn’t send it, then 
there is someone else, who—knows. 

(Sways forward into his arms.) 

CURTAIN 



ACT III 


SCENE. — The same as in Act II. Two minutes later. 

{At curtain Ethel is in armchair. Channing is 
kneeling beside her. She has a glass in her hand 
from which she drinks from time to time as they 
talk.) 

* 

Chan. All right, dear? 

Ethel. Yes, it was just for a minute. I didn’t know 
I was so weak. 

Chan. Weak? I wouldn’t mind being weak in the 
same way. ( Rises and speaks decidedly.) Now see 
here, Ethel, you will have to tell me more about these 
mysterious messages. 

Ethel. I can’t. 

Chan. But how am I going to help you if you keep 
me so completely in the dark ? 

Ethel. I don’t know. It isn’t sensible, but I be¬ 
lieved you could; that you would see it. 

Chan. Good Lord ! See what? 

Ethel. My father has enemies. Have you thought 
what kind they were likely to be ? 

Chan. Oh, yes, everyone in camp realizes that. I 
have had it in mind all the time but so far it hasn’t led 
me anywhere, 

Ethel. Do you think it is wise to withhold the names 
of those whom you heard in this room? 

Chan. I haven’t the least idea who was in this room. 

Ethel. But you said- 

Chan. Yes, I baited a trap. 

Ethel. You mean- 

Chan. I heard voices but I didn’t recognize them. 
If the owners of the voices are still in camp I bet I’ll 
know within half an hour. 


37 




3« 


THIRTEEN PLUS 


Ethel. Yes, that is likely. Phil, what do you think 
about Helen? 

Chan. I think it is probably true that she is nervous. 

Ethel. And that is all? 

Chan. I can’t say certainly, of course. 

Ethel. I wish I knew. 

Chan. You know so many purely circumstantial 
things happen that when the evidence is piled up it is 
always a question which is which. 

Ethel. Things are terribly tangled. 

Chan. I’ll say they are. 

Ethel. Mr. Jeffrey didn’t seem much disturbed about 
the mail. 

Chan. Apparently not. You can’t tell what he really 
thinks. 

Ethel. I wish I knew what you think. 

Chan. I don’t know myself. I really haven’t had 
time to think. Things have happened so suddenly that 
I believe we have all neglected the power of thought. 

Ethel. I wish you would match your wits against 
Jeffrey’s. Oh, Phil, if you could only take me out of 
this! 

Chan. Go up-stairs, dear, and rest. Leave me here 
alone to think. 

Ethel. Are you sure, Phil, you saw a woman on the 
roof? Couldn’t it have been a man? You only saw the 
outline. It seems so unreasonable. 

Chan. It was a woman. She screamed when the 
shot was fired. A good reason for eliminating her from 
crime. She didn’t fire and then scream. 

Ethel. But, Phil, we are all accounted for. There 
are no other women around here. 

Chan. You heard what Flora said. 

Ethel ( wearily ). I know. It seemed to fit, but, oh, 
it seems so- 

{Shudders and buries her face in her hands.) 

Chan. Try to forget everything for a while, and let 
me see what I can do. If I need you for anything I 
will call you. 



THIRTEEN PLUS 39 

Ethel. I will be within call. Phil, 1 feel sure you 
are going to do it. 

Chan. Good! You just hold on to that thought. 

(Puts his arm around her and leads her to stairs.) 

Ethel. And you will take care of yourself. 

Chan. Leave it to me ! Don’t you worry about that. 

Ethel (suddenly slips her hand into her skirt pocket 
and takes out a small revolver. She hands it to Chan- 
ning). Here! 

Chan. ( astonished ). Ethel! Surely you don’t think 
this is necessary? 

Ethel. I don’t want you to be unprotected and Mr. 
Jeffrey has yours. 

Chan. He has all in camp except the guide’s. Where 
did you get this ? 

Ethel. It is father’s. He doesn’t need it now. 

Chan. (putting his arms around her). My dear! 
(She goes up the stairs. He examines the revolver, puts 
it in his pocket, sits down by table, buries his face in his 
hands, rises, goes through pantomime of what happened, 
goes from table to fireplace, turns to table, goes to 
counter and gets mail bag, brings it to center table, takes 
it to mantelpiece, turns away, then suddenly turns with 
an exclamation of satisfaction, speaks under his breath.) 
Marie, again! But how—where? 

(Goes to window and looks out. Turns away puzzled, 
returns mail bag to counter, walks about room, hands 
in pockets, thinking deeply. Meriam enters.) 

Mer. (timidly). Mr. Channing! I wanted to see you. 
It—it was good of you. 

Chan, (cautiously). Was it? 

Mer. I wouldn’t have told what I heard if I’d known 
you’d be so good about telling on us. 

Chan. Your testimony against me was rather a neat 
little job. 

Mer. I —I hated you. 

Chan. Because I caught you stealing and told you 





40 


THIRTEEN PLUS 


some truth about yourself. You should have been grate¬ 
ful that I didn’t hand you over to Mr. Logan. 

Mer. ( half crying). I’m awfully sorry. 

Chan. Meriam, you are just an overgrown child. 

Mer. ( indignantly). Child? I’m going to be married). 

Chan. Married? Well, I only hope you and George 
won’t spend your honeymoon behind the bars. 

Mer. ( getting hysterical) . You—you—oh, I can’t 

stand it to have you talk like that. 

Chan, {harshly). Stop that nonsense! Your aunt 
has warned you times enough. 

Mer. George is all right. He ain’t done a thing. 
Oh, won’t you help us, Mr. Channing? You didn’t tell 

you heard us, and I thought- Oh, I wish we were 

dead. 

Chan, {putting his hand on her and shaking her). 
Now stop. Stop this minute! Do you hear me? If 
you are a woman about to be married, obey me, and help 
the man you love. If you’re a child unable to do any¬ 
thing but howl, by all the powers that be, I’ll give you 
something to howl for and make you obey! Now, how 
about it? 

Mer. {struggling to get control of herself). I want 
to help George. I been trying to all the time). 

Chan. It was more Jim’s fault? 

Mer. It’s all his fault. George ain’t done a thing. 

Chan. Draw it mild, Meriam. 

Mer. He ain’t, Mr. Channing! He ain’t. 

Chan. You realize it’s dangerous business? 

Mer. I know it and I tried to keep George out. They 
tempted him with the money, and we want to be married 
and- {Hesitates.) 

Chan. I see. How many with Jim? 

Mer. I don’t know. Some of the lumbermen. 

Chan. Lumbermen? {Laughs.) 

Mer. Oh, how you can laugh ! 

Chan. That’s a darned good one. The lumbermen 
are acting as a guard for Jeffrey. Er—Meriam— 
{Speaks slowly, feeling his way.) Jim’s sweetheart, 
Marie, was in here last night- 





THIRTEEN PLUS 


41 


Mer. (with a gasp). You know everything, don’t 
you? 

Chan. I’ll say I do, and if you know what’s good 
for you and George, you will answer my questions. 
What did Marie come for? 

Mer. She came for Jim to bring George the key. 

Chan. The key? Oh, yes! Yes—yes, certainly— 
the key. 

Mer. But George never went in. You see things 
happened so quick he didn’t get there. He was going to, 
but he—didn’t. 

Chan. You make it so clear, Meriam. Where was 
Jim? 

Mer. Jim is in bed with a fever. 

Chan. Oh, yes. So George didn’t use the key? 
{Suddenly turns to Meriam.) Meriam, do you know 
where the door is ? 

Mer. No, sir, they never let me know, but I don’t 
think it’s far away. 

Chan. Very well. Now you find George and bring 
him here at once. Don’t speak a word of what has 
passed between us. If you want me to save you, obey 
my orders. 

Mer. Yes, sir. (Starts towards door, r.) 

Chan. Oh, Meriam, what about that charm of Mr. 
Logan’s ? 

Mer. (turning back). I picked it up. I was going to 
give it to him but when I lost it I didn’t dare to say 
anything about it, ’cause I thought he wouldn’t believe 
me. I had it in my pocket and it must have dropped out 
when I was doing Miss Kelcy’s room. 

Chan. I wish I thought so. 

Mer. It’s so, Mr. Channing. It’s so. I haven’t taken 
a thing since that day you talked to me. I hated you. 
I think I hate you now, but what you say is true, and 
you frighten me to death, and I wish you’d scare George 
the same way. 

Ciian. (laughs). Bring him in and I will try it. Send 
your aunt to me. 

Mer. But I don’t want Aunt Flora to- 



4* 


THIRTEEN PLUS 


Chan, {sharply). Do you intend to do as I say? 

Mer. Y-Y-Yes, sir. 

{Exits, r. Channing again walks to window, opens 
it, leans out. Flora enters, r.) 

Flora. Did yez want me, Misther Channing? 

Chan. Yes. What did you see from the roof last 
night ? 

Flora. And what are yez talking about? 

Chan. That will do, Flora. I recognized you last 
night. The nice little story you told to Jeffrey about 
meeting a woman on the way to the lumber camp was a 
fairy tale invented to turn suspicion from yourself. 
There was no woman, and you didn’t go near the lumber 
camp. Now come on. I know you didn’t shoot Judge 
Kelcy, but do you know who did? 

Flora. I do not, saints be praised. 

Chan. And no idea why they did it? 

Flora. I hev not. The poor auld man, God rist his 
soul! 

Chan. Flora, how did you get on the roof? You 
didn’t go through this room. 

Flora. Shure and hev I said I wuz on the roof? 

Chan. Flora, I am trying to help Meriam and George 
out of a dangerous position. Now let’s have the truth. 

Flora. How do I know yez ain’t tryin’ ter trick me? 
(Channing suddenly takes out revolver and points it 
at her. ) Glory be to God, sir, point that the other way ! 

Chan. Not until you unload what’s on your mind. 
How did you get onto the roof ? 

Flora {terribly frightened) . I climbed up from the 
outside. 

Chan. A likely story. {Comes closer with the re¬ 
volver.) The truth! 

Flora. That’s the truth. Mr. Channing, sir, shup- 
pose it should go off? 

Chan, {calmly). There would be one less Flora on 
earth, so you’d better be careful. How did you uet to 
the roof? 

Flora. There is some steps cut in the logs as nate as 
you plase. 




THIRTEEN PLUS 


43 

Chan, {excited). Really? In this wing outside this 
window ? 

Flora. Yis, sor. 

Chan. How did you find it out? 

Flora. Saw someone going up. 

Chan. Who? 

Flora. I don’t know. 

Chan. ( warningly ). Flora! 

Flora. I don’t, Mr,. Channing, if thot wuz me lasht 
word on earth. It wuz a guide, or wan uv the lumber- 
min but it’s dark ez a pocket in thot corner uv the house 
and I could jist see his figure. It wuz whin I wint out 
lookin’ fer Meriam. 

Chan. (nods). Yes. How in the deuce did you find 
the steps in the dark ? 

Flora. I hed a little flashlight wid me. 

Chan. I see. Why did you go up? Why didn’t 
you come in here for me or hunt up Mr. Logan ? 

Flora. I koind o’ thought it wuz George, and I thot 
Meriam moight be up there, and whot they could be 
afther doin’! Holy Saint Patrick, Mr. Channing, I’ve 
been out o’ me hid entoirely this summer about thot 
girl! She’s no mother nor no one at all, at all, and she’s 
thot pretty and silly! 

Chan. You’ve said something. I understand, Flora, 
and you have my sympathy. I think we can pull her 
through this and if she hasn’t had something to sober 
her this time, I miss my guess. 

Flora. Well, saints be praised if it’s so. 

Chan. Now tell me what happened. 

Flora. Nothing happined on the roof at all, at all. 
I wint in the window up-stairs but there wuz nobody up 
there and jist afther I wint out the shot wuz fired, and 
it seemed loike it wuz jist underneath me. 

Chan. And you screamed? 

Flora. Saints be koind I did! I wuz thot scared. 
I wint down on me knees and said sivin prayers, and 
they a-runnin’ around down there below and all the ex- 
coitemint. Shure it wuz a tirrible noight all together. 

Chan. And what about the mail, Flora? 


44 


THIRTEEN PLUS 


Flora. Shure, I wuz lookin' ter see if Meriam wuz 
afther writin’ to a feller up to the city I don t trust at 
all, at all 

Chan. And you didn't touch the mail bag after¬ 
wards ? 

Flora. No, sir. 

Chan. That's all right, Flora. I am sure you are 
telling the truth. That is all. Thank you. 

Flora. You’re wilcome, sor. [Exits, r. 

(Clianning sits down, buries his face in his hands. 
There is a faint knocking on the zvall the other side 
of the stairs; one — three — one; pause. It is re¬ 
peated. At first Ciianning doesn’t notice, then he 
suddenly springs to his feet, listens, counts the 
knocks.) 

Chan. ( under his breath). One—three—one- 

(Is greatly excited. Goes to wall, listens, goes to window, 
looks out, then returns to stairs, goes part way up, calls 
softly.) Ethel! Ethel! 

(Slight pause. Ethel comes downstairs.) 

Ethel*. Yes, Phil! 

Chan. You weren’t asleep? 

Ethel. Asleep when you might need me? 

Ci-ian. Ethel, do you feel all right now? Got your 
nerve all with you? Can you do anything I ask of you? 

Ethel. I not only can, but will. 

Chan. You don’t know all that’s going on, Ethel? 
You have only a vague idea? 

Ethel. I really know very little. Have you- 

(Hesitates.) 

Chan. I guessed at something and I am putting up 
the bluff of my life. I have scared the truth out of 
Meriam. 

Ethel. Oh, you have? I’m so glad, Phil. Now you 
understand why I wanted you to send the telegram. 

Chan, (staggered). Well, I’m not sure that I fully 
comprehend your part in the affair. 




THIRTEEN PLUS 


45 


Ethel. Why, I did it to help Meriam. She appealed 
to me to save George. I was so sorry for them. We 
thought if I could get the message through and get the 
officers here to break the thing up before George got 
into it, you see, and not let Father know. George would 
never get any mercy from Father. And Meriam warned 
me of the danger Father was in; surrounded as he was 
by these men who hate him. And then, of course, I 
couldn’t go back on her after she came to me as she did. 
Don’t you see? 

Chan. I think I do. Now you stand by me and 
follow my lead. 

(Meriam and George enter, l.) 

George. You want me, sir? 

Chan. Yes. ( Suddenly points gun at him.) Hands 
Up. You’re my prisoner. 

Mer. {with a cry). Mr. Channing! 

Chan, {sharply). That will do for you! I don’t 
want a word out of either of you. Ethel, get me some 
rope. Enough to hang two rascals. (Ethel exits, r. 
To George.) Walk over to the counter. (George 
obeys.) Put both hands on the counter. Now if you 
move a quarter of an inch it will be your last move. 
{Takes George’s gun from his hip pocket.) Huh! Jef¬ 
frey let you keep your gun! Now walk over to the table 
and sit down. (George sits by table. Ethel enters with 
rope.) That’s it. Here, Ethel. {Hands her a gun.) 
Take this. Keep him covered. You know how to use 
it? 

Ethel. I certainly do. George knows that I do. 

Chan. Very well. If I say fire, you obey. 

Ethel. All ready. 

(Ethel keeps George covered while Channing ties 
him to chair.) 

Chan. I shall have to gag you for a few minutes. 

George {desperately) . What for? I won’t talk. I 

promise. # . , 

Chan, {takes a handkerchief from his pocket). Can t 

take the chance. 


46 


THIRTEEN PLUS 


George. All right. Go ahead. You needn’t force it. 

Chan. Glad you have so much sense. ( Gags 
George.) You might be tempted to give a warning 
when you find what I am going to do. Now don’t make 
a sound, Ethel. ( Goes to wall back of stairs. Raps, 
one — three — one. Pauses, repeats; there is a pause, then 
knock is answered from other side.) Now quick, Ethel, 
the other piece of rope. Now keep your nerve. 

Mer. (wildly). Mr. Channing! Please! 

Chan, (turning on her). Stand over there by the 
door. Out of sight of the window. If you speak an¬ 
other word until I speak to you, I’ll gag you, too. Per¬ 
haps I had better anyway. (Starts for her.) 

Mer. (shrinking back against door, l.). No—p-please! 
I promise! 

Chan. Ethel, stand back by the stairs. 

(Ethel steps back and Channing moves a chair in 
front of George so that he cannot be seen from win¬ 
dow. Theodora enters, l. Stops and regards them 
in astonishment.) 

Theo. Good Lord! What in the world- 

Chan, (warningly). Hush! Quick! Stand against 
the door! Out of sight. (Theodora grasps the idea and 
obeys. Channing steps out of sight. Marie looks 
cautiously in, carefully opens window, steps in; she is 
instantly confronted by Channing.) Hands up! Walk 
forward. (Marie bewildered obeys. Removes her hat.) 
You, is it? Jim didn’t get to the party after all. 

Marie (suddenly sees George). Mon Dieu! 

Chan. That won’t do a bit of good. The Deity isn’t 
going to help you on an occasion like this. Ethel, keep 
her covered. Miss Logan, take my eun and keep them 
all covered from the other side. (Theodora takes gun 
from Channing. Channing takes Marie’s gun from 
coat pocket.) Now take off your coat. 

Marie (astonished). M’sieu? 

Chan. Don’t try to talk. Obey. (Marie removes 
coat.) Now sit by table opposite George. 



THIRTEEN PLUS 47 

(Marie sits opposite George. Channing ties her to 
chair.) 

Marie (to George). So you tell? You, or Meeream,. 

Chan. We don’t care about any remarks on your 
part. I hate to gag a girl but I’ll do it if you speak 
again. Miss Logan, get everyone in here. Don’t tell 
them what has happened. Just bring them in. 

Theo. (delighted). Ay, ay, sir! 

(Salutes and runs out, l.) 

Chan. Ethel, cover everyone who comes in here. 
Don’t let anyone leave the room when they are once in. 

Ethel (anxiously) . Where are you going? 

Chan. Onto the roof, and into the room under the 
roof as soon as I can find the entrance. 

(Puts on coat which Marie removed.) 

Ethel. Won’t you be seen by any of the lumbermen? 

Chan. The man who is in sight of this angle of the 
house is without question one of the gang. (Pulls 
Marie’s hat over his eyes.) With this hat and coat I’ll 
take the chance. (Climbs out window.) 

Ethel (anxiously). 'Be careful, won’t you? 

(Follows to window and looks out.) 

Chan, (outside window). Leave it to me. Careful 
is my middle name. 

Ethel (turns from window and looks thoughtfully at 
wall back of stairs). Is there anyone in there now? 
(Turns quickly to Marie and George.) Answer me! 
Is there? (Marie glares at her. George shakes his 
head no..) Thank you, George. 

Mer. I am so sorry, Miss Kelcy, I got you in so 
much trouble when you was trying to help us. 

Ethel. Never mind that now. You at least are not 
to blame for what has happened. 

(Eleanor and Logan come down the stairs.) 

Logan (in astonishment). Ethel! Good Lord! 


4 8 


THIRTEEN PLUS 


(Helen enters, l., followed by Theodora and Dr.' 
Wainwright.) 

Helen {screams). Ethel! 

(General confusion. All talk at once. Jeffrey en ¬ 
ters, L.) 

Jeff. ( looks about in astonishment). What is it? 
For heaven’s sake, Miss Kelcy! What is the meaning 
of this? 

Ethel. Listen! 

(Channing knocks from other side of stairs.) 

Jeff. (countinq). One—three—one. Thirteen plus! 
Who is it? 

Ethel. It’s Phil! 

Logan {astonished). Where is he? 

Ethel. Back of the stairs. 

Logan. Why, he can’t be. 

Ethel. Oh, but he is ! 

Jeff. How do you enter? 

Ethel. From outside. (Jeffrey starts for door fol¬ 
lowed by Logan.) Gentlemen! My orders were for 
everyone to remain in this room. 

Jeff. But, Miss Kelcy - 

Ethel {hysterically). As sure as you stir one step I 
fire! 

Helen {delighted). Hurrah! He’s been the boss 
long enough. 

Jeff. Will you permit Dr. Wainwright to leave? 
You know what I want him to do ? 

Ethel {hesitates a second). Yes. I am quite sure 
that will be all right. 

(Dr. Wainwright exits, l. Channing looks in win¬ 
dow.) 

Chan, {with a cheerful grin). Hello, Jeffrey! 

Jeff, {hurries to window). Channing! What the 
deuce? {Looks out.) Steps in the logs! 

Chan. Here. That’s what! Here! Take this. 



THIRTEEN PLUS 


49 


(Hands two bottles to Jeffrey. Jeffrey examines 
them with interest. Channing climbs in window.) 

Jeff. You found the place? 

Chan. Well, rather! (Takes the bottles from Jef¬ 
frey, places them on table, one in front of Marie, one 
in front of George.) Ladies and gentlemen, Marie and 
George invite you to their party. Really Jim invites you, 
but in his absence Marie, his future wife, will act as 
hostess.. They have the finest collection of bottled goods 
I have ever gazed upon, and not a drop of home brew in 
the lot. 

All (at the top of their voices). Where? 

Chan, (laughing). Come early and avoid the rush! 

Logan (impatiently ). You know what we mean. 

Chan, (seriously ). In the open space under the roof, 
back of the stairs. The entrance is just under the roof. 
Mighty clever. Must have taken months of work. Logs 
are hollowed out to hold pints and quarts, and any other 
old size. Logan, you are strong on the defense but I 
think you may have to go some to prove you didn’t know 
anything about this. 

Logan (half laughing). Lord! I don’t know but 
you’ve said something. 

Jeff. Channing, I take off my hat to you. You have 
certainly given us a surprise party, but I believe I can 
match you. Ladies and gentlemen, let me present to you 
the guest of honor. 

(Judge Kelcy enters, l., followed by Dr. Wain- 
wright. Kelcy’s arm is in a sling. All the women 
but Ethel scream and there is general confusion.) 

Kelcy. No cause for so much excitement. I am not 
a spirit. I am very much alive. 

Logan. What is the meaning of this? (To Dr. 
Wainwright.) Why did you tell us Judge Kelcy was 
dead? 

Dr. W. I never did. I said he had gone,. 

Jeff. And so he had. Into the doctor’s cabin, and 
very fortunately for our sense of veracity you announced 
the news just as we gave it to you. 


50 


THIRTEEN PLUS 


Logan ( somewhat dazed). I guess that’s right. 

Jeff. Of course we couldn’t let Miss Kelcy think her 
father was dead but she is the only one who knew. 

Logan. For heaven’s sake, Judge Kelcy, explain just 
a little. 

Kelcy. Certainly. (As Kelcy explains, Channing 
unties the ropes which hind Marie and George and re¬ 
moves gag from George.) I knew Jeffrey before I came 
up here. It was planned that he should come. We have 
known for some time there was a clever gang of rum¬ 
runners up in this region and a place known as “ thirteen 
plus ” was the beginning of the chain. We never 
dreamed until the last day or two that this was “ thirteen 
plus.” Jeffrey found that some goods had been brought 
over the line two or three days ago and when the attempt 
to kill me was made, we thought if we let them think 
they had carried out their plan, we might have a better 
chance to see what was going on. 

Chan. I think you have made one mistake. Marie, 
did you intend to kill Judge Kelcy? Did anyone intend 
to kill him? Come on. Tell a straight story. It will 
help you and Jim as nothing else can. 

Marie. No one inten’ kell ze Judge. Marie was un¬ 
der ze roof and ze gun go off accident. I didn’ know 
ze Jedge he is zere. 

Chan. I believe that. And how did you happen to 
have Miss Kelcy’s gun? 

Marie. Someone follow Marie. I left my gun in 
ze lumber camp an’ I step in one of ze room and take 
anuzer gun. 

Chan. And it happened to be Miss Kelcy’s. And 
oh, yes! ( Takes package of mail from pocket.) Here’s 
the mail. She had it in the next room. (To Marie.) 
You were taking that to Jim so he could see if the Judge 
was sending any dangerous information through the 
mail. 

Marie. M’sieu ees right. 

Chan. There is one thing I want to know. Who 
sent out the telegram last night? 

Kelcy. I did. 


THIRTEEN PLUS 5 I 

Jeff, (disgusted). It’s a pity you hadn’t mentioned it. 

Kelcy. I forgot it. 

Chan. And the answer that came in to-day? 

Kelcy. Means “ on the way.” We will be sur¬ 
rounded by officials by this time to-morrow. 

Jeff. The rest of the gang? George and- 

Chan. No, not George. Some of your lumbermen 
who are acting as guards. 

Jeff. What? Keep Marie confined until I round up 
the rest of the gang. [Exits, l., followed by Logan. 

Kelcy. Come, doctor, I’m anxious to see that room. 

Dr. W. So am I ! [They exeunt, l. 

Elea. I feel just as if I was living in a movie. 

Helen. How did you ever do it, Mr. Channing? 

Chan. It’s a long story and I’ll tell you some other 
time. (Goes to Ethel.) Just now I have a little story 
for this young lady alone. 

Theo. (teasingly). Oh, come on! Don’t be mean! 
Tell us the secret, too. 

Chan. Just this much. This is the beginning (Kisses 
Ethel.) and there’s going to be Thirteen Plus! 

[CURTAIN, for a minute.] 

(When curtain rises again, it is bright sunlight. 
Channing sits at center table leaning forward , his 
head on his arms asleep. Breakfast bell rings. He 
doesn’t stir. Meriam enters, r., with bell, goes to 
door, l., rings bell. As she returns she notices 
Channing and stops by table.) 

Kelcy (coming down-stairs). Hurry, people! I smell 
ham and eggs. 

Jeff, (following). That’s good news. 

(Ethel comes doztm the stairs.) 

Kelcy. What’s the matter, Meriam? 

Mer. I don’t know, sir. (Dr. Wainwright, Helen, 
Logan, Eleanor and Theodora enter, l.) It’s Mr. 
Channing, I think. 



52 


THIRTEEN PLUS 


Logan ( coming forward). Good Lord! Did you stay 
up all night, Phil ? 

(Puts his hand on Channing’s shoulder and shakes 
him.) 

All. Phil! Mr. Channing! 

(Gather around table. Meriam exits, r.) 

Chan, (sitting up and looking around bewildered). 
Yes? Why, what’s the matter? 

Kelcy. Didn’t you go to bed at all ? 

Chan. Why, it’s morning, isn’t it? 

All. It certainly is. 

Theo. Can you beat that ? 

Chan. No, I didn’t go to bed. (Points to manu¬ 
script.) It’s finished! Do you hear, you people? Fin¬ 
ished ! 

All. Really ? In one night ? 

Ethel. What’s it about, Phil? What is the title? 

Jeff. May we look? 

Chan. Certainly. 

Elea, (taking up manuscript). Thirteen Plus. 

Helen. Philip Channing, does anyone ever know 
what you’ll write about next? I demand a royalty. 

Chan. In that case there won’t be much left for me, 
for you are everyone in the story even to Meriam, George 
and Flora. 

All. Really? Won’t that be interesting? 

Helen. When is it coming out? 

Theo. What in? 

Chan. “ Everyman’s ” for October. 

Logan. Put in your orders in advance. 

Chan. Judge Kelcy, I have had a terrible night with 
you. I suppose this is unusual but I am still under the 
illusion of the night. I want to marry your daughter. 
What do you say? 

Kelcy. Good-Lord! This is so sudden. What does 
she say? 

Ethel (turning away). Phil, how could you? 

Logan. My friends, this is no place for us. (Re- 


THIRTEEN PLUS 


53 


cites.) “Charge, Chester, charge! ( Points to door, r.) 
On, Stanley, on! And let who will be clever! ( Points 

to Channing.) That boy stands on a burning deck, but 
we go on forever! ” [ They laugh and exeunt, r. 

Kelcy ( stops at door). Bless you, my children! 
Phil, I’d sooner have you for my son than any boy I 
know. 

Chan, (joyfully). Thank you. (Turns to Ethel.) 
Don’t be cross, dear! I couldn’t wait another minute. 

Kelcy (exits, r. ; sticks his head in door). Er—ah— 
ahem—do you care for anything as plebeian as ham and 
eggs? 

Chan, (puts his arm around Ethel and leads her to 
door, r.). Do we? Well, I’ll say we do! 


CURTAIN 


J 







STEP OUT—JACK! 

An Optimistic Comedy in Three Acts. By Harry Osborne 

A successful vehicle for talented amateurs. Twelve males (can 
be played with less), five females. Costumes modern. Scenery, 
three simple interiors. Jack Rysdale is “down and out.” All he 
has in the world are the clothes on his back and the love in his heart 
for the wealthy and beautiful Zoe Galloway. He dare not ask her 
to marry him until he has made his way in the world. Zoe loves 
him, and while the girls in New York do nearly everything else, they 
do not propose—yet. Jack’s fighting spirit is about gone when he 
meets a man named Wilder, who is a natural fighter and knows how 
to bring out the fighting qualities in others. From him Jack learns 
that he has a dangerous rival in Percy Lyons. He learns that if he 
is going to get anywhere in this world, he can’t stand in line and 
await his turn but must step out and “ go get it'.” He learns more 
from Wilder in ten minutes than he absorbed in a whole year in 
college. So, figuratively speaking, he steps out, takes the middle of 
the road and “ gives ’er gas.” Once started, nothing can stop him 
until he has attained his object. Every girl will fall in love with 
Jack and every man and boy will admire his pluck and courage. 
Zoe is a matrimonial prize on fourteen different counts, and her 
chum, Cynthia, a close second. Wilder is a regular man’s man who 
can convince any one who doesn’t wear ear muffs that black is 
white and vice-versa. Then there is Percy Lyons, who never stayed 
out very late, Clarence Galloway, a rich man’s son looking for a 
job, Buddie the office boy, who is broken-hearted if he misses a 
ball game, and Bernice Williams, who thinks she is a regular little 
Home Wrecker but isn’t. An artistic and box office success for 
clever amateurs. 

Act I.—Private Office of R. W. Wilder. 

Act II.—Library—John Galloway’s Home. 

ACT III.—Rysdale’s office. 

Time: The present. 

Peace: New York City. 

Time of playing: Approximately two hours. 

Price, 50 cents . Royalty, $10.00 

THE SHOW ACTRESS 

A Comedy in One Act. By J. C. McMullen 

Two males, four females. Costumes, country of the present day. 
Playing time about forty minutes. Scene, dining-room of the Martin 
Homestead, Hill'ville, Vt. A burlesque troupe is stranded in the 
little village of Hillville. Goldie, the star, is taken in by the Martins. 
Her adventures with the cow at milking time, and with the domestic 
cook-stove are a scream. She eventually restores the Mar¬ 
tins’ lost daughter, captures the thief robbing the village bank and 
marries Zek’l, the bashful village constable. Full of action. All 
parts good, Goldie the lead, and Zek’l, the bashful lover, being 
particularly effective. 

Price, 25 cents. 



SUNSHINE 

A Comedy in Three Acts. By Walter Ben Hare 

Four males, seven females. Scene, one simple exterior, easily ar¬ 
ranged with a small lot of potted plants and rustic furniture. This 
charming play was really written to order, to satisfy an ever growing 
demand for a comedy that could be used either as a straight play or 
as a musical comedy. The author has arranged a happy and real¬ 
istic blend of the two types of entertainment, and the catchy tunes 
which he has suggested should find favor in the amateur field. The 
story leads the audience a merry chase from snappy farce to real 
drama (with just a flavoring of the melodramatic) which modern 
audiences find so pleasing. Here we find a great character part in 
a popular baseball hero, who succeeds in making a home run in more 
ways than one, a wonderful leading lady role in the part of Mary; a 
hypochondriac, who finds his medicine most pleasant to the taste; 
an old snaid who mourns the loss of her parrot, and a Sis Hopkins 
type of girl with the exuberance of spirit that keeps the audience on 
its mettle. The Major is a character of great possibilities and in 
the hands of a capable actor much can be made of it. Sunshine is 
the sort of play that will live for years, as its very atmosphere is 
permeated with good will toward the world at large. We cannot 
too highly recommend this play, written by an author with scores 
of successes behind him and not a single failure. Royalty $10.00 for 
the first performance and $5.00 for each subsequent performance 
given by the same cast. 

Price, 50 cents. 


CHARACTERS 

Maudeeia McCann, aged ten. 

Mrs. Bunch McCann, of Detroit, the mother. 

Mrs. Soe Whippee, of Whipple's Corners , Conn M the 
country lady. 

Miss Tessie Miteord, the mental case. 

Mr. Juba K. Butternip, of Peoria, III ., the old man. 

Miss Gregory, the nurse. 

Buddy Brady, of New York, the hall player. 

Major Keeucott, the speculator. 

Jim Anthony, he's engaged. 

Syevia Deane, she’s engaged. 

Mary, “ Sunshine.” 

Boys and Gires. 

Scene: The lawn at Sunshine Sanitarium, near York City. 
Act I.—Morning. 

Act II.—Afternoon. 

Act III.—Night. 


Time of playing: Two hours. 


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AMATEURS’ SUPPLIES | 

PREPARED BURNT CORK—Will not dry out. Always in 
condition for immediate use. Easily removed. Enough 

for four people. Per box (about 2 oz.).$ .30 

One-half lb., $1.00; per lb. 1.S5 

SPIRIT GUM—For sticking on whiskers, etc. Easily 
removed with Cocoa Butter or Cold Cream. Per bottle. .35 
COLD CREAM—For removing grease paints, spirit gum, 

etc. In tubes.30 

COCOA BUTTER—For same purpose as Cold Cream. .30 

CLOWN WHITE—For Pantomimes, Clowns, Statuary, etc. 

Per box . *5 

CARMINE LINER—Per stick.30 

BLUE—For the eyes. Per stick. .30 

EYE BROW PENCILS—Black, Brown. In nickel-plated 

metal tubes. Each. .25 

GRENADINE OR LIP ROUGE......35 

THEATRICAL BLENDING POWDER—Thoroughly hides 
oily appearance of grease paints. Not to be confused 
with street powder. No. 1, White; No. 2, Flesh; No. 3, 
Brunette; No. 4, Rose Tint for juvenile heroes; No. 7, 

Healthy Sunburn; No. 10, Sallow for both young and 
old age; No. 11, all ruddy exposed characters; No. 17, 

American Indian, East Indian, Othello. 4c, 

ROUGE DE THEATRE—No. 18, Medium shade for juve¬ 
nile and fair complexion; No. 36, Brunette for decided 
brunette types; No. 24, Deep Rose for darker hues. 

Per box . & 

HAIR POWDER—White only. To gray or whiten the 

hair or beard . 35 

POWDER PUFFS—For applying blending powder.30 

HARE’S FEET—For blending make-up. ..30 

STOMPS—Leather, for lining face for wrinkles, etc....... .30 

NOSE PUTTY—For building up nose or chin.35 

EMAIL NOIR OR BLACK WAX—Black, for stopping out 

teeth.. 

WATER COSMETIQUE or MASCARO—White, Black, 

Dark Brown, Light Brown, Blonde, Red, for coloring 
the beard, eyebrows or hair at temples to match wig. 

Removed with soap and water. Each.. 

MAKE-UP PENCILS—Light Flesh, Dark Flesh, Brown, 

Black, White, Gray, Carmine, Pink and Crimson. Set 

in a box.. ..... 1-35 

LINING PENCILS—Black, Brown, Crimson, Gray and 
White. Each 


*35 


*35 


.20 


LADIES’ BEAUTY BOX—For stage or toilet use. Con¬ 
tains Flesh Color Face Powder, Theatrical Cold Cream, 

Theatre Rouge, Eyebrow Pencil, Powder Puff, Hare’s 
Foot, Flesh Color Exora Cream and Lip Rouge. 1.35 

Always send your orders to 

WALTER H. BAKER CO., Boston, Mass. ^ 


^ "v v 1 V s ** m* wiw 































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AMATEURS’ SI 


LIBRARY OF CONGRESS J 


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0 018 603 711 fl 9 v 


MAKE-UP BOX—For either GentU 
japanned tin case, with lock an 
fallowing art'cles: A set of Gr 
Blendkxg Powder (two colors), Rouge de Theatre, Eyebrow 
Pencil, Grenadine or Lip Rouge, Blue for the Eyes, Nose 
Putty, Email Noir or Black Wax, Mascaro or Water Cos- 
metique and Brush, Spirit Gum and Brush, Powder Puff, 
Cocoa Butter, Burnt Cork, Two Artist’s Stomps, Hare’s 
Foot, Mirror, Scissors and Five Colors of Crepe Hair. All 
these articles are of the best quality. The actual listed value 
of the articles enumerated, all of which are included with 
our complete Make-Up Box, would be over $7.00; so that 
the handsome carrying case is included at no additional cost 
when you buy this outfit'. By express, shipping charges not 
paid ...$7.00 


No. 

1 . 

2 . 

a 

4. 

5. 

6 . 

7. 

8 . 

9 

10 . 

11 . 


GREASE PAINTS 

No. 

Very Pale Flesh Color. 12. 

Light Flesh, Deeper Tint. 13. 

Natural Flesh Color for Juvenile Heroes. 14. 
Rose Tint Color for Juvenile Heroes. 15. 
Deeper Shade Color for Juvenile Heroes.16. 
Healthy Sunburnt for Juvenile Heroes. 17. 
Healthy Sunburnt, Deeper Shade. 

Sallow, for Young Men. 

Healthy Color, for Middle Age. 

Sallow, for e..d Age. 

Ruddy, for Old Age. 


18. 

19. 

20 . 
21 . 

22 . 


Olive, Healthy. 

Olive, Lighter Shade. 
Gypsy Flesh Color. 
Othello, 

Chinese. 

Indian. 

Last Indian. 

Japanese. 

Light Negro. 

BlaclL 
White. 



(Done up in sticks of 4 inches in length at 30c eacii.) 

MISCELLANEOUS SUPPLIES 
FOR YOUR MINSTREL SHOW 

Minstrel Chorus Wigs (special price by the dozen), each... .$1.25 

End Men’s Fancy Wig.2.25 

Fright Wig (Mechanical). 3.00 

"Uncle Tom” Wig.... 2.25 

“ Topsy” Wig. 2.25 

Sonnetts or Clappers (per pair). .25 

Paper Collars (end men).. 

Dress Shirt Fronts. 

Stage Jewelry: Shirt Stud. 

Large Diamond Ring 
Stage Money: 20 sheets 


. 15 

. 35 

.50 

. 75 

...10 

100 sheets. 40 

Always send your orders to 

WALTER H* BAKER CO., Boston, Mass. 


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